Collect your X‑Trail from the airport car hire area; confirm snow gear policy, supply of chains, winter tyre notes and ask for a roof box if you plan to transport bulky ski bags.
Drive to your central Canberra hotel, check in and drop luggage; use this time to review and confirm ski lesson and gear hire bookings for your son (dates 5–7 Jul).
National memorial and museum (open 10:00–17:00). Visit the galleries and, if available, attend the Last Post Ceremony at 4:45pm — a moving 20-minute service; check the Memorial website for confirmation.
Book a 3-day kids' group lesson (recommended 9:00–12:00 sessions or full-day options) for your 11-year-old on 5–7 Jul — early booking is essential in peak season. Choose group or private lessons based on experience; ensure helmet and lesson meeting point are selected.
Visit Australia’s Parliament House (public galleries and guided tours typically from ~9:00). See the debating chambers, rooftop views and exhibitions on Australia’s governance; allow 1–1.5 hours.
Drive southeast via Monaro Hwy through Cooma and onto Kosciuszko Rd to Jindabyne — expect ~2.5–3 hours depending on conditions; have chains accessible and follow NSW road updates.
Check into your accommodation and have lunch at a local café (e.g., Birchwood Cafe or The Bacco) to get settled; most cafes are open from ~8:00–9:00 and welcome families.
Pick up hired skis/boots/poles and helmet for your son and any adult equipment; confirm sizes, waxing recommendations and return time. Ask rental staff about lesson meeting points and any child-specific wristband or pass.
Visit or call the Perisher Snowsports desk (or your rental shop) to collect lesson tickets/wristbands for your son, confirm meeting time (commonly 8:30–8:45 for 9:00 starts) and discuss ski-lift access for children.
Stretch your legs with a lakeside stroll, check weather/snow reports and ensure son’s layers and helmet fit comfortably for lessons the following morning.
Allow 45–60 minutes driving from Jindabyne; alternatively park at Bullocks Flat and take the Skitube. Check road conditions and chain requirements before leaving.
Meet your son at the instructor meeting point (commonly 8:30–8:45) to register and ensure he has his rental gear and wristband; lessons typically start at ~9:00.
Structured 3-hour group lesson for 11-year-old (typical morning 9:00–12:00) focusing on technique, safety and fun — booked for 5 Jul as day 1 of a 3-day course.
Meet your son after his lesson for lunch at an on-mountain cafe (Ridge or similar) and review how the morning went; cafes open around lift hours but may be busy.
If your son is booked for half-day lessons, spend the afternoon skiing together or enjoying easier slopes; otherwise adults can continue skiing while the child rests.
Ski Perisher’s varied sectors (Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega). Consider booking a brief adult lesson or guide if you want to explore new terrain safely.
Return to accommodation, start packing for the trip back to Canberra and check rental return times (you may return gear on 8 Jul or keep overnight if included).
Early breakfast and check-out; ensure all ski gear and luggage are packed and secured for the drive back to Canberra. Return hired equipment this morning if your rental requires same-day return.
Choose one for a relaxed afternoon: Botanic Gardens open ~7:30–17:00 and National Museum open 10:00–17:00 — both are gentle ways to round out the trip and let kids decompress.
Early breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafe; confirm your flight time and ensure you have all documents and luggage, including any ski items to be checked with the airline.
Arrive at the terminal for domestic departures; standard advice is to be at the airport 90–120 minutes before departure. Confirm baggage size/weight for ski bags if applicable.
Depart Canberra for Perth — confirm the exact flight time and terminal. Ensure any carry-on ski items meet airline rules and that child documents or seat assignments are in order.